Dead 12 Volt Battery - 2013 Fusion Hybrid

[Easy Rider]

If anyone doubts this please show your references, I have them and don't intend to waste my time proving what we already know.

This ends the bickering. Thanks.

Thank you for some authoritative information.

 

But the post you replied to to make this comment was NOT bickering.

I seriously want to know if the problem he reported was fixed by just replacing the battery.

That information is important.

[hybridbear]

Well, today my wife tried to start her 2013 (22 months old) and the battery was totally dead. After a jump, we got the STOP SAFELY message and Ford Roadside Assistance (at the Dealer's recommendation) towed it to the dealership. Now waiting for evaluation.

 

Update: Ford Towed the car to the dealership. BIG CUDOS to Ford Roadside Assistance. Courtesy, speed and efficiency were TOP NOTCH! The technician towing the car had to energize the 12V circuits via the engine compartment to allow enough juice to open the trunk and jump start the battery so he could get the car out of my garage and onto the flatbed truck. The dealership said it started just fine upon arrival ????? They are keeping it overnight to see if it starts in the morning.

Remember that the 12V battery should never be charged via its terminals. It should only be charged from the posts under the hood.

[FordService]

Well, today my wife tried to start her 2013 (22 months old) and the battery was totally dead. After a jump, we got the STOP SAFELY message and Ford Roadside Assistance (at the Dealer's recommendation) towed it to the dealership. Now waiting for evaluation.

 

Update: Ford Towed the car to the dealership. BIG CUDOS to Ford Roadside Assistance. Courtesy, speed and efficiency were TOP NOTCH! The technician towing the car had to energize the 12V circuits via the engine compartment to allow enough juice to open the trunk and jump start the battery so he could get the car out of my garage and onto the flatbed truck. The dealership said it started just fine upon arrival ????? They are keeping it overnight to see if it starts in the morning.

Hey Fastronaut,

 

Any updates on your Fusion Hybrid this morning?

 

Meagan

[Easy Rider]

Remember that the 12V battery should never be charged via its terminals. It should only be charged from the posts under the hood.

Why do you say that ?

Other than it being much more convenient.

[Fastronaut]

Hey Fastronaut,

 

Any updates on your Fusion Hybrid this morning?

 

Meagan

Hi Meagan,

 

The dealer just called to say they found an electrical short but did not indicate where or what yet. It took overnight to show up.

[GrySql]

HB said that because it is the only recommended method in the Owners Manual for FFH owners to charge the 12v Battery.

There are other ways but this information is not given to FFH owners because of the risk of accident or damage to the cars components.

However, because many people don't understand the 'why they can't just do what they used to do' with their previous cars, here is the answer.

--

 

There are 3 different ways to charge the battery.

The 1st example below explains that if you decide to charge the battery itself you must do it a certain way.

Most people will not know the correct way and that is why the Underhood Charging Prongs are there, to minimize consumer mistakes.

 

A battery charger's Negative clamp must not be put on the Negative battery post, that is where the Battery Monitor Sensor is clamped and a battery charger can damage it or cause it's accuracy to be compromised.

For FFH owners who don't know (most), the best way is to use the Underhood Charging Prongs.

If you are determined to use a battery charger on the 12v battery posts you must disconnect the battery cables, as described in example #2.

 

Example #3 shows the Owners Manual recommended way to jump start or charge the 12v battery.

-

From the Service workbook:

1. Charger Connected to Engine or Chassis Ground

1. Connect the positive (red) charger clamp to the positive battery post.
   Use Special Service Tool: 162-00036 GR-1-190 Diagnostic Charger.

1. Connect the negative (black) charger clamp to the negative battery ground cable bolt or a body ground.

1. Charge the battery following the battery charger manufacturer's instructions.

2. Charger Connected to Battery Posts

NOTE: The battery monitoring sensor relearns the battery's state of charge within 4-6 hours after the sensor is removed from the battery. For additional battery monitoring sensor information, refer to section 414-00.

1. Disconnect the battery.
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, General Procedures).

1. Connect the positive (red) charger clamp to the positive battery post.
   Use Special Service Tool: 162-00036 GR-1-190 Diagnostic Charger.

1. Connect the negative (black) charger clamp to the negative battery post.

1. Charge the battery following the battery charger manufacturer's instructions.

3. Charger Connected to Underhood Prongs

NOTE: The battery monitoring sensor relearns the battery's state of charge within 4-6 hours after the sensor is removed from the battery. For additional battery monitoring sensor information, refer to section 414-00.

1. Connect the positive (red) charger clamp to the positive prong.
   Use Special Service Tool: 162-00036 GR-1-190 Diagnostic Charger.

1. Connect the negative (black) charger clamp to the negative prong.

1. Charge the battery following the battery charger manufacturer's instructions.

Edited April 10, 2015 by GrySql

[Fastronaut]

I just picked up the 2013 Fusion HyTi at the dealers. Here is exactly what they noted and found (This could happen to you as well):

 

11331 UNABLE TO VERIFY CONCERN OF NEEDING TO BE JUMP STARTED, CONTACTED CUSTOMER WAS INFORMED STOP SAFELY NOW AND WRENCH LIGHT ALSO APPEARED ON DASH. EEC TESTED AND RECEIVED NUMEROUS NETWORK DTC'S U0253, U0265 ETC. FOUND RELATED SSM 44614 AND REMOVED CENTER CONSOLE SIDE TRIM PANEL AND DC/AC INVERTER TO BE ABLE TO INSPECT HARNESS FOR RUM THROUGH CONDITION. FOUND A RUB THROUGH ON A WIRE IN HARNESS 14401 NEAR CONNECTOR 3501. REPAIRED WIRE AND INSTALLED FOAM TAPE AROUND THE INVERTER TO PREVENT FUTURE HARNESS CONCERNS, RE-TESTED. NO LIGHTS ARE PRESENT. COMPLETE.

 

Evidently, it took 22 months for this condition to occur. the only moving part in the center console is the automatic shifter. Hopefully, our 2014 won't exhibit the same concern at some future time.

 

 

[Fastronaut]

Megan - Sorry ... the mileage was 11331 and the symptoms were battery dead. After Ford Roadside Service connected a 12V external source to allow the electrical system to engage, WRENCH LIGHT and STOP SAFELY NOW message.

[GrySql]

I just picked up the 2013 Fusion HyTi at the dealers. Here is exactly what they noted and found (This could happen to you as well):

 

11331 UNABLE TO VERIFY CONCERN OF NEEDING TO BE JUMP STARTED, CONTACTED CUSTOMER WAS INFORMED STOP SAFELY NOW AND WRENCH LIGHT ALSO APPEARED ON DASH. EEC TESTED AND RECEIVED NUMEROUS NETWORK DTC'S U0253, U0265 ETC. FOUND RELATED SSM 44614 AND REMOVED CENTER CONSOLE SIDE TRIM PANEL AND DC/AC INVERTER TO BE ABLE TO INSPECT HARNESS FOR RUM THROUGH CONDITION. FOUND A RUB THROUGH ON A WIRE IN HARNESS 14401 NEAR CONNECTOR 3501. REPAIRED WIRE AND INSTALLED FOAM TAPE AROUND THE INVERTER TO PREVENT FUTURE HARNESS CONCERNS, RE-TESTED. NO LIGHTS ARE PRESENT. COMPLETE.

 

Evidently, it took 22 months for this condition to occur. the only moving part in the center console is the automatic shifter. Hopefully, our 2014 won't exhibit the same concern at some future time.

Thanks for keeping us informed, these are complicated cars and luckily the DTC codes that they found told them where to look so they could do a 'Battery Drain Check'.

No factory-equipped vehicle should have more than a 50 mA (0.050 amp) draw. Check for current drains on the battery in excess of 50 mA (0.050 amp) with all the electrical accessories off and the vehicle at rest for at least 40 minutes.

 

That SSM 44614 is listed here for some 2013-2014 Fusion and MKZs built on or before 3/18/2014:

http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/topic/9354-special-service-messages-ssms/?p=88036

Edited April 10, 2015 by GrySql

[jeff_h]

I just picked up the 2013 Fusion HyTi at the dealers. Here is exactly what they noted and found (This could happen to you as well):

 

11331 UNABLE TO VERIFY CONCERN OF NEEDING TO BE JUMP STARTED, CONTACTED CUSTOMER WAS INFORMED STOP SAFELY NOW AND WRENCH LIGHT ALSO APPEARED ON DASH. EEC TESTED AND RECEIVED NUMEROUS NETWORK DTC'S U0253, U0265 ETC. FOUND RELATED SSM 44614 AND REMOVED CENTER CONSOLE SIDE TRIM PANEL AND DC/AC INVERTER TO BE ABLE TO INSPECT HARNESS FOR RUM THROUGH CONDITION. FOUND A RUB THROUGH ON A WIRE IN HARNESS 14401 NEAR CONNECTOR 3501. REPAIRED WIRE AND INSTALLED FOAM TAPE AROUND THE INVERTER TO PREVENT FUTURE HARNESS CONCERNS, RE-TESTED. NO LIGHTS ARE PRESENT. COMPLETE.

 

Evidently, it took 22 months for this condition to occur. the only moving part in the center console is the automatic shifter. Hopefully, our 2014 won't exhibit the same concern at some future time.

 

Doesn't the center console get removed as part of the RCM replacement for the 14S21 recall? I'm pretty sure it does, and hope that in the course of the 14S21 work they inspect this affected harness/wire area and insulate it better (per the SSM) as a preventive measure. As for me, when it's time to actually get the RCM replaced per the recall I will ask them to also perform the SSM 44614 action to protect the harness/wires better and maybe prevent this happening to either of mine.

[Easy Rider]

 

HB said that because it is the only recommended method in the Owners Manual for FFH owners to charge the 12v Battery.

 

 

I somehow missed this yesterday. I think the "new posts scan" doesn't quite work right sometimes.

 

Anyway, thank you for that clear and concise information.

Simply stating the part about the sensor on the negative post would have been plenty for me.

 

A small matter unsaid anywhere is: perfectly OK to charge from the posts.....IF the battery is not IN the car at the time. :)

[Easy Rider]

11331 UNABLE TO VERIFY CONCERN OF NEEDING TO BE JUMP STARTED,

 

Classic.

But at least they continued on and actually found a problem.

 

Hope it is THE problem causing the battery to go dead.

[Fastronaut]

Classic.

But at least they continued on and actually found a problem.

 

Hope it is THE problem causing the battery to go dead.

They continued because I gave no choice. As an Electrical Engineer, I know there's a reason for battery drain. I also have a good relationship with the dealership.

[FordService]

Megan - Sorry ... the mileage was 11331 and the symptoms were battery dead. After Ford Roadside Service connected a 12V external source to allow the electrical system to engage, WRENCH LIGHT and STOP SAFELY NOW message.

No worries! :)

 

I'm glad to hear everything's been taken care of. Please let me know if you need me for anything.

 

Meagan

[swright]

I had my Fusion at the dealer on Thursday, where they did a more in-depth check of everything and determined they needed to "reprogram" the computer that controls the charging. I didn't ask specifically, but I'm guessing this was one of the TSBs talked about earlier in this thread, probably 13-7-11. It worked great Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Didn't drive it Saturday or Sunday, then this morning it wouldn't start. Battery is completely dead, no lights, no locks, etc. Going to contact my dealer and have them tow it to their service department and have another look. This is getting very old very fast... I have a customer service case open, so hopefully they'll intervene and make sure everything goes smoothly, as well.

[Easy Rider]

I wonder..............

If the morons even charged up the battery while they had it ?

And I wonder how many more times they will have it before they really do a good test on the battery ??

 

Hint: If the normal VERY small drain while the car is off makes the battery dead in two days then..........what's that old phrase.....it should be obvious to an untrained 3 year old !!

[Fastronaut]

I had my Fusion at the dealer on Thursday, where they did a more in-depth check of everything and determined they needed to "reprogram" the computer that controls the charging. I didn't ask specifically, but I'm guessing this was one of the TSBs talked about earlier in this thread, probably 13-7-11. It worked great Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Didn't drive it Saturday or Sunday, then this morning it wouldn't start. Battery is completely dead, no lights, no locks, etc. Going to contact my dealer and have them tow it to their service department and have another look. This is getting very old very fast... I have a customer service case open, so hopefully they'll intervene and make sure everything goes smoothly, as well.

The best thing I can suggest is to establish a good working relationship with the Service Manager. That way, you can create an advocate to help with any service technician problems. It sounds obvious but many just don't do it. Quash the anger and simply apply logic... a la Mr. Spock ? Edited April 13, 2015 by Fastronaut

[Texasota]

The best thing I can suggest is to establish a good working relationship with the Service Manager. That way, you can create an advocate to help with any service technician problems. It sounds obvious but many just don't do it. Quash the anger and simply apply logic... a la Mr. Spock

That is very good advice.

[FordService]

I had my Fusion at the dealer on Thursday, where they did a more in-depth check of everything and determined they needed to "reprogram" the computer that controls the charging. I didn't ask specifically, but I'm guessing this was one of the TSBs talked about earlier in this thread, probably 13-7-11. It worked great Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Didn't drive it Saturday or Sunday, then this morning it wouldn't start. Battery is completely dead, no lights, no locks, etc. Going to contact my dealer and have them tow it to their service department and have another look. This is getting very old very fast... I have a customer service case open, so hopefully they'll intervene and make sure everything goes smoothly, as well.

I just checked your case, and I see you were in touch with your CSM yesterday. He'll follow-up with you on the 15th. Were you able to get towed to your dealer?

 

Meagan

[swright]

Roadside assistance sent someone out and got it jumped, which worked on the first try. I drove it to the dealer and left it with them overnight. Hopefully today they'll figure out what's really causing my issues and get it back to me all fixed up. I've been working with one service manager the whole time and he understands my concerns and has been pretty accommodating so far. I also talked to the shop foreman yesterday so he could make sure he understood all the aspects of the problem and the exact course of events, but it didn't sound like he had a good idea of where to start, so hopefully he'll have a good helpful conversation with Ford engineering and come up with a solution.

[FordService]

Roadside assistance sent someone out and got it jumped, which worked on the first try. I drove it to the dealer and left it with them overnight. Hopefully today they'll figure out what's really causing my issues and get it back to me all fixed up. I've been working with one service manager the whole time and he understands my concerns and has been pretty accommodating so far. I also talked to the shop foreman yesterday so he could make sure he understood all the aspects of the problem and the exact course of events, but it didn't sound like he had a good idea of where to start, so hopefully he'll have a good helpful conversation with Ford engineering and come up with a solution.

Happy to hear it! Did your CSM get in touch with you today?

 

Meagan

[swright]

He left a message, but I hadn't picked up my car yet so I didn't get a chance to call back (I will this afternoon). I picked it up yesterday evening; they said they changed the battery after searching for a battery drain all day with no luck. Hopefully that takes care of it, but only time will tell.

[FordService]

He left a message, but I hadn't picked up my car yet so I didn't get a chance to call back (I will this afternoon). I picked it up yesterday evening; they said they changed the battery after searching for a battery drain all day with no luck. Hopefully that takes care of it, but only time will tell.

How's everything going?

 

Meagan

[swright]

I talked to my CSM earlier and updated him--after the battery swap everything seems to be going well. No problems starting the car, and no battery saver messages so far.

[FordService]

I talked to my CSM earlier and updated him--after the battery swap everything seems to be going well. No problems starting the car, and no battery saver messages so far.

Happy to hear it! I'll be around if you need me. :)

 

Meagan